The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Refine Browse Criteria Records on Second World War merchant shipping now online The movements of merchant ships during the Second world War can now be discovered at DocumentsOnline. The merchant shipping movement cards record the journeys of both British registered and Allied vessels engaged in the war effort from 1939. The series of cards within BT 389 record the name of the ship, any former name it had, its size (tonnage), to whom it was registered, the ship's destination, date of arrival and occasionally ports of call. They also record any cargo carried on board. Importantly for historians, the cards show if the ship was torpedoed, mined, damaged or sunk during the war. The merchant shipping movement cards were started by the Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen. They are concerned only with the details of the ship and therefore do not contain details of any passengers or crew, as this information was considered a security risk by the Admiralty during the war.
This is great. Just last night I was going through the NA site trying to get info on merchant ships that sunk and whose crew is buried in the Netherlands. Couldn't find much, and now this!!! Many thanks!
Brilliant. Just tried one and it came up with the name of the ship - a German Merchant vessel before being captured - great tool for the future. Thanks. phil
Well, I couldn't wait and got 2 out of 4 hits for a name search I did for one ship. [I ordered 2 because the ship had had a name change, but not a lot was on the earlier record; pot luck I suppose.] 2 things: - No ship no. is quoted, so I had to guess a bit for even the tonnage wasn't the same as the details I had and I wasn't sure what I should be crossing checking. - I am not terribly impressed with the resolution. These records are a little easier to work out that personnel service records, but not by much given my lack of knowledge. Trying to decipher the writing I zoomed in, only to find it all quickly pixilated...then I put on my glasses just to check - but being short-sighted this did nothing to help!! But it seems I may have found something useful, off to get help. D
Yes, it would have been a good idea for TNA to include the ship's official number. This is really key for searching about any merchant ship. This is a good move by TNA and the cost of £3.50 as opposed to £8.50 for using Digital Express is very much welcome. It is also much easier for those not used to searching for MN ship's movments. Be aware, though, that there are mistakes in these cards. Regards Hugh
Well, I couldn't wait and got 2 out of 4 hits for a name search I did for one ship. [I ordered 2 because the ship had had a name change, but not a lot was on the earlier record; pot luck I suppose.] D Diane Could/would you share with us just exactly what you got from them. thanks. phil
Hi Hugh, The very man I was about to PM. Would you please help me - again - if I emailed you? Phil, I can send you them if you are interested, no problems. [I won't be attaching the images due to copyright.] Cheers, D
Hi Hugh, The very man I was about to PM. Would you please help me - again - if I emailed you? D Diane, Please feel free I will help if I can. Regards Hugh
